Danger of filling plastic Jerry cans

No more dangerous then filling from cans at ground level. Hot and dry conditions while wearing synthetic clothing used to be conducive to generating a static charge. These days most synthetic materials are treated to disperse any charge before it reaches dangerous levels (both clothes and the can). No harm in taking care, touch the can against the metal of the vehicle away from and before you open the filler cap on both the can and the vehicle.

The problem may lie with the "long plastic hose", make sure that it rated for use with the type of fuel that you using, normal cheap clear plastic tubing will generate a static charge.

To fill the jerries at a servo most operators will make you take them down and fill them on the ground.

IMO if you maintain contact with the syphon hose and the ground when refuelling from the jerries to the main tank then there should be no static issues.

Cheers Kev

I usually fill my tank before filling the jerries on the rack.

That way contact has been made between the hose and vehicle already in case of static.
The rack is metal, so should earth to the vehicle.

If the jerries are on the rack, I don't get a full 20 litres though. maybe 18, since I have them on their back to reduce height and with the opening to the back for access.

Any service station attendant worth anything should be turning your pump off for doing this.
If there is a problem you have a fire that is on top of your vehicle with fuel pouring everywhere. You can burn your car if you like, just not in a servo:-)

They don't have a problem with the static issue, it is plain unsafe. Just like sitting on a motorbike while refuelling, if something happens you are hampered in your escape by getting off, shoe laces caught on pegs etc.

pling

I worked in the petroleum industry for quite a few years and was constantly under pressure to deliver safety training, particularly in the handling of fuel.

Before I respond to your question, it would be helpful if you told us which product your referring to (Diesel or ULP).

If its the latter, here are my recommendations:

1. Touch the outside surface of the car, then remove the container from the roof rack. If the container has been in the sun for an extended period (and bloated with fumes) vent it well away from the car.

2. When filling the main tank, ensure the nozzle is in contact with the car.

In doing these couple of simple things you will reduce the cause of most explosions and fires.

Regards

Kim